Cape Alava Loop (Ozette Triangle) — Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

Bottom Line:

There are two caution signs to heed at the trailhead - the boardwalks are slippery even without frost (some are breaking, so step lightly) and bears are active in the area (yes, they are still awake!). This hike forms a triangle - the first ~3 miles through the woods, the next ~3 miles south on the beach (rough and slow going at times), and the final ~3 miles back through the woods (see map below). The coastline is wild, with lots of sea stacks, rocky shores and down trees. The seaweed and sand flies are annoying at first, with little sand to be found, but the beach trail gets better as you head south.

Stats:

• Distance: 10-3/4 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Vertical: 820 feet
• Road/Parking: Road in good condition with plenty of parking at Ozette Lake trailhead, where a National Park parking pass is required
• Weather: Sunshine after the morning storm, with strong winds, and temperatures ~50F; darker and cooler in the woods
• Trail: The trails through the woods go through different zones, from deep forest with big trees, to swampy bogs. Most of the trail is on a boardwalk, with many new boards and bridges, and some pretty slippery sections (CAUTION). First you hear the ocean, then you smell it, and finally you can see bright sunshine streaming through the trees as you approach the open coastline. The Alava Cape area is very wild with rock and deep seaweed infested with sandflies. Persevere and the beach becomes much more manageable heading south, although many down trees falling into the beach pose significant obstacles. The tide is going out during the afternoon right now, so good time to hike the beach. CAUTION: There are areas that would be problematic with a high tide. Many eagles fishing, and being harassed by little birds (not sure why they put up with that?!) Saw bears in the beach, and in the woods. Good to look ahead, as I did not see that beach bears until I was practically on top of them. The long sandy beach around the point at the south end of the "triangle" is spectacular, having hiked the whole way with lots of rock and obstacles. Sea stacks are your constant companion as you head ~3 miles south on the beach. If you stay for sunset, you will of course come back on the boardwalk in the dark; bring a light, and be prepared for critters that go bump in the night. I did not see a single person all day, but there was one other car in the parking lot.
• Takeaway: Beautiful, wild coastline that makes a perfect fall/winter hike with spectacular seascapes and abundant wildlife. Many folks turn back at Alava Cape because of the rock, seaweed and seaflies... but stick with the loop... it gets better quickly!